It’s the story that has been hogging the headlines in recent weeks, no, not Celtic becoming champions of Scotland again, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future.
Everyone knew that the Liverpool defender was going to head for the exit door; it was just a case of it being confirmed by the relevant parties.
Celtic celebrated their title win at Ibrox on Sunday, then hours later, Liverpool did the same against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Not long after, news broke that Alexander-Arnold will be leaving his boyhood club, after spending 20 years at Anfield, including coming through the club’s academy.
The Celtic Park faithful know what it’s like having one of your own rep your colours, win it all, and become a club legend.
But Liverpool’s club legend is leaving, with Real Madrid calling, and the manner in which he is going out has divided opinion, as the champions of Scotland have even got a mention in between it all.
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Chris Sutton reacts to Celtic and Trent Alexander-Arnold transfer claim as Liverpool star to join Real Madrid
It’s perhaps the best worst-kept secret in the world of football transfers that Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool and join Real Madrid.
But, on the Monday Night Club, Chris Sutton was discussing the matter with fellow pundit Rory Smith.
The New York Times journalist was trying to explain how it was always difficult for the champions of England to sell their star asset, rather than let him leave on a free, because there is a ‘very small category of clubs’ who can afford his wages.
Smith proceeded to mention the Hoops, including how ‘you can’t sell him to Celtic‘, before Sutton issued his response.
“The fact that Trent, as a Scouser, as a Liverpool fan and as one of their own, has left on a free, running his contract down, not being sold,” said Smith.
“I think this is where the argument falls down. I don’t think Liverpool could have sold him. The reason why Liverpool couldn’t have sold him is because there are a very small category of clubs who can afford his wages. Whatever they are.
“You can’t sell Trent Alexander-Arnold to Standard de Liège. That’s not going to happen. You can’t sell him to Celtic. You can’t sell him to basically anybody else in the Premier League.”
Sutton then added: “I don’t think either would have been in for him.”
And Smith continued: “I don’t think Celtic, they don’t need him, to be fair.”
When Alexander-Arnold was compared to Alistair Johnston
The man who deploys Celtic’s right flank is Alistair Johnston, including winning his third title in Scotland last week at Dundee United.
But, when this Alexander-Arnold and Madrid talk was firing up, back in March, a pretty bold claim was made regarding the Canada star and Alexander-Arnold.
Celtic legend Peter Grant told Go Radio that Johnston is ‘all day long’ a better defender than the one-time Champions League winner.
“So, if I say to Trent-Alexander, at the top team now in Liverpool, talking about going to Real Madrid, who do you think is a better defender? Trent-Alexander or Alistair Johnston,” stated Grant.
“There’s your first question, and I think Alistair Johnston is a better defender. Better defender. That’s what I’m saying.
“A better defender, all day long. If I was saying I need a clean sheet to win this game, for us to win the league, and it’s between Trent-Alexander and Alistair Johnston. Who would I be putting it right back if I needed that clean sheet to win that game? All day long, Alistair Johnston.”
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